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Pyloric stenosis - Overview

Alternative Names

Congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis; Gastric outlet obstruction

Definition of Pyloric stenosis:

Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the pylorus, the opening from the stomach into the small intestine.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Normally, food passes easily from the stomach into the first part of the small intestine through a valve called the pylorus. In pyloric stenosis, the muscles of the pylorus are thickened. This prevents the stomach from emptying into the small intestine.

The cause of the thickening is unknown, although genetic factors may play a role. Children of parents who had pyloric stenosis are more likely to have this condition.

Pyloric stenosis occurs more often in boys than in girls, and is rare in children older than 6 months. The condition is usually diagnosed by the time a child is 6 months old.

Pyloric stenosis

Pyloric stenosis - series

Reviewed last on: 8/2/2011
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hunter AK, Liacouras CA. Pyloric stenosis and congenital anomalies of the stomach. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 321.

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